March 16, 2007

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico - It was a homecoming of sorts for Marquette women's tennis players senior Francina Bonnelly and junior Maria Calbeto as the two enjoyed playing in front of a native crowd Friday afternoon as the Golden Eagles defeated the University of Puerto Rico in San Juan, 7-0. With the win, the Golden Eagles improve to 7-10 on the season.

"It was such a great experience for all of us, not only today, but for the whole week," said head coach Jody Bronson. It was our first match outdoors this season, so it helped us get acclimated for the conference tournament at USF next month. We were able to play everyone in the lineup so it was good to give our players that experience of playing in front of a loud and excited crowd."

The match against Puerto Rico was the capstone of a mini tour of the country during spring break.

Marquette started the afternoon winning the doubles point. Sophomore Lauren Little and junior Shannon Brown teamed at no. 1 doubles to defeat Correa and Gonzalez, 8-0.The Puerto Rico natives paired up at no. 2 doubles and shut out Ramos/Escalera, 8-0. The win helped the Golden Eagles secure the doubles point and win the first team point of the afternoon.

In singles play, Marquette got a win from each single position to claim its fifth sweep of the season. Freshman Kylie Moore and sophomore Robin Metzler each held their opponents scoreless and won their individual matches 6-0, 6-0, at no. 1 and no. 4 singles, respectively.

Junior Erin Watkins took down Rivera 6-1, 6-0 at no. 2 singles, while freshman Elly Strother did the same to her opponent, Escalera, at no. 6 singles. Calbeto and junior Dominika Dabrowski both defeated their respective singles opponents 6-1, 6-1.

Marquette 7, University of Puerto Rico 0

Singles
1. Kylie Moore def. Correa (PR), 6-0, 6-0
2. Erin Watkins def Rivera (PR), 6-1, 6-0
3. Maria Calbeto def. Ramos (PR), 6-1, 6-1
4. Robin Metzler def Nevarez (PR), 6-0, 6-0
5. Dominika Dabrowski def Gonzalez (PR), 6-1, 6-1
6. Elly Strother def Escalera (PR), 6-1, 6-0

Doubles
1. Littlle/Brown def Correa/Gonzalez (PR), 8-0
2. Calbeto/Bonnelly def Ramos/Escalera (PR), 8-0
3. Wilson/Bukacek def Rivera/Nevarez (PR), 8-4